The Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the National Oceanography Center (NOC) hosted a weeklong QGIS Training Workshop for Marine Managers and other stakeholders of the sector. The intervention has equipped participants with up-to-date strategies to manage and plan development around the island’s vulnerable marine habitats.

These activities form part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme which is a partnership comprising the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, (CEFAS), the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the National Oceanography Center (NOC).  Under the CME Programme, Cefas has been collaborating with the Department of Fisheries to characterize the benthic habitat and associated communities within key areas of interest along the west coast of Saint Lucia.

This two-year project scheduled for completion this month, is aimed at delivering a range of geospatial data products, multivariate community data and reports to describe the nature and extent of the seabed. The four key areas of interest under the project include Vieux Fort, Soufriere Marine Management Area, Marigot Bay to the Castries Harbour and Rodney Bay.

The Department of Fisheries has identified training in use of geospatial software as a priority to support the use and maintenance of the data products delivered under the CME Programme. The training also provided an opportunity for the CEFAS project team to present project results and allow users to explore.

Chief Fisheries Officer, Sarita Williams-Peter says the data products and equipment handed over to her department will increase the capacity to monitor environmental conditions in the island’s marine and coastal area.

Saint Lucia’s marine and coastal resources are set to receive much attention in 2020, with priority being placed on improved management and careful development around these areas which offers visitors to our island a unique eco-tourism experience.